Recently, I had a 27-year-old female that shows transformation of the solid nodule on breast ultrasound into a cystic nodule over time. This is the first time I encountered such a changing nature of the mass (from solid to cystic) on ultrasound. I am happy to see such a report as it reinforces my perception, thought, opinion and recommendation on the issue of “solid nodules.” I like to share this incident to allay fear and anxiety among women who have reports of “solid nodules” on breast ultrasound.

Initial breast ultrasound. Note the October 5, 2015 report of a well-defined solid mass in the 11 o’clock position of the right breast and the BIRADS Category 3: probably benign findings.

Second breast ultrasound. Note the March 3, 2016 report of a well-defined solid mass in the 11 o’clock position of the right breast and the BIRADS Category 3: probably benign findings. Unchanged findings compared to October 2015 report.

In September 6, 2016, the well-defined solid mass in the 11 o’clock position of the right breast “now has a cystic consistency.” There is no more solid mass but all cysts on breast ultrasound. Thus, the BIRADS Category became 2: benign findings.

With the September 2016 report, the primary diagnosis or FIBROCYSTIC CHANGES, a hormonal change, given on October 2015, is validated. So, I advise the patient not to WORRY even if there is an interval increase in the number. I allayed her anxiety further by pointing that the BIRADS Category is now down to 2 from the initial 3.

Again, I am writing this post to allay fear and anxiety of patients who have “solid nodules” on breast ultrasound reports.

If there is no palpable dominant breast mass, the “solid nodules” per se reported on breast ultrasound usually is part of the fibrocystic changes (hormonal changes).